Everything you need to know about grid-tied solar
The large majority of home solar systems are grid-tied — connected to the utility grid rather than running independently. Here's why, and what it means for you.
What “grid-tied” means
Your solar system and the utility grid work together. When you produce more than you use, the surplus goes to the grid; when you need more than you're producing, you draw from it. The grid effectively acts as a giant, no-maintenance “battery” via net metering credits.
Grid-tied vs. off-grid vs. hybrid
- Grid-tied — connected, no battery required, lowest cost, best economics for most homes.
- Off-grid — fully independent, requires a large battery bank, mostly for remote properties without utility access.
- Hybrid — grid-tied plus a battery, so you get net-metering economics and backup power.
The blackout catch
An important detail: a standard grid-tied system shuts off during a power outage, even in daylight. This is a safety feature so it can't energize lines that utility crews are repairing. To keep power during outages, you need a battery (a hybrid system).
Bottom line: grid-tied is the default for good reason — lowest cost and strong economics where net metering is healthy. Add a battery if outage protection matters to you.